Are You Making This Mistake When Applying Foundation?

When you apply your foundation, do you use upward or downward strokes?

When I first starting wearing it, all those years ago, I used both. I thought that, as long as the colour is applied evenly, who cares in which direction you sweep your brush. How wrong I was!

Sometimes, my foundation would look smooth and flawless, while at other times, a bit messy and not that seamless. I couldn’t figure out why. It was so frustrating! Then, the answer hit me.

Peach fuzz. I know, ladies. We all want to pretend that doesn’t exist, but the ugly truth is that we all have it, especially on the sides of our cheeks. Usually, this is invisible to the naked eye. Unless you apply foundation in the wrong way. Then, it suddenly becomes noticeable.

Peach fuzz usually grows downwards. So, when you apply your foundation with upwards strokes, the hairs stand up, becoming more noticeable and making your foundation look less smooth than it should. The same happens when you use swirly motions. So don’t. Use downward strokes instead.

Unless you’re one of the few people on whom peach fuzz grows upwards. In this case, you should use upwards motions too. In other words, when you apply foundation, sweep your brush in the same direction your peach fuzz grows. That way, you’ll always look flawless.

Thank you so much for this tip! Seemed to work for me perfectly the last time I tried. I follow many beauty bloggers and youtubers, but I can’t really remember anyone mentioning this. And also your suggestion about trying out foundation on my chest. Many of them say that it should match your body, but, as far as I know, none of them suggests to put it right onto the chest. Surprisingly, there are still lots of them who advice trying out on the neck. I’m so glad I know it isn’t right and I’m amazed how much I can learn even after years of being interested in make-up. Thanks again! 🙂

I am so glad I found your site. I definitely found out more helpful tips. Thank you I will make sure to always read your helpful beauty tips. Can warm tones wear neutral tones I have dark brown hair with gray ughh dark brown eyes About six years ago I started getting what several dermatologist as well as my endocrinologist call vitiligo patches on my face It started on my hands 1st Anyways I used to be more olive toned now however I look less olive toned and not where the vitiligo is I’m 41yrs old & I can no longer wear the same color I did a few years ago even with the vitiligo I have been using bb & cc creams but really want to find a drugstore foundation (unfortunately not able to purchase high end) but I find warm looks to dark unlike just a few yrs ago Sorry for rambling Is neutral what I should buy or would cool tone work I do apologize for asking what some may find as a stupid question at my age Believe me its embarrassing enough to ask online let alone to anyone face to face Again thank you for your time getting through this long question comment

Desiree, I’m sorry to hear about your struggle, and please don’t feel embarrassed about asking online. No one has all the answers for everything, and if you don’t ask, you don’t learn and don’t get help.

I wouldn’t say it’s a complete no-no because I know how difficult it is to find the perfect shade of foundation, especially at the drugstore. But if it doesn’t match your undertones, it just wouldn’t look as natural on you.